I live a few blocks from there and im not sure i will shoot there again. Their prices are terribly expensive. Range fee and two boxes of 9mm worked out to $55 the last time i shot... I'm looking for a relatively basic pistol class. I've been sooting for about a year and want a veteran to tell me what i do wrong so i can improve, the more critical the better.

Is your shooting that bad that it's worth several hundred dollars to get better?

Or do you need to just hang out with a few other shooters who know what they're doing to give you some ideas on how to improve?

I don't mean to say that it's not worth the money for professional instruction. I totally think it is. I just believe in "value for the money" and don't like seeing people sign up for the first thing they find. Make sure what you want to learn is covered before you sign up. If you want to get more accurate at 5 yards at full speed and the class covers holster selection and the difference between revolvers and semi-autos, you won't be happy with the money you spent.

For the cost of a full-day class, you can probably find a couple hours of one-on-one training and get some serious value out of it.

It's not a matter of my shooting being bad. I've been shooting consistently for about a year and I know I have improved every time I have shot. I want to know my fundamentals are solid. I want to know my thumb is just out of place. I want to know all the little nuances that can't be learned from anyone who doesn't have their firearm attached to their body.
FUNDAMENTALS FUNDAMENTALS FUNDAMENTALS

I've never been charged that much at SPAG, but there are other options.

Classic Pistol in Southampton is probably my fav - you can bring your own ammo, and the prices are definitely where they ought to be. If I recall correctly, if you bring your own eyes, ears, shells and targets, you are ONLY paying for a cardboard backer and lane time. However, you are also driving waaaay far out of Northeast. I don't know where you are located, so that may or may not be a good thing. They have a TON of classes there, and everyone I meet who works there seems friendly and knowledgeable, and totally not into that overbearing gun-store commando thing.

The aptly named Firing Line at Front and Tasker Sts. is also OK - I think they ask you to buy one or two boxes of ammo, then they don't care. Their fees are pretty low, but they are sort of a low-buck operation. The equipment is pretty tired, the decor and lighting are tired, and the building is pretty cold and dirty. However, it's affordable, and right in South Philly, so that's pretty convenient for most folks. I seem to remember them having classes, but they were sort of skimpy on scheduling, and the facilities this time of year would make it a little difficult - cold and dark.

One last thing to consider - Philly is expensive for everything. Higher sales tax, automatic Wage Tax for people who work here, and frequent protests at gun shops by antis bump prices. You don't have to like it; you just have to live with it. If you are willing and able, finding somewhere to take a class on the weekend outside the city is probably the way to go, especially if you are price-sensitive.

If not, SPAG is the place to go... High prices, but the best in Philly. Maybe get a membership there - it usually runs 3 hundred something for a regular, but on Glock Days and someother special days, they have basic membership for 79 bucks. Still have to use their ammo when you go, but no lane fees and big discounts for people going with you. Won't matter if you don't reload, I wouldn't think. I know they also have full auto rental, if that interests you.

Drop me a line if you want to go shooting!
-L.

PS - Oh yeah... Target Master on 202 in Delaware County is great, too. Reasonable rates, and lots of classes - but it's a hike!

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